storck



F. W. STORCK.

STAMP AFFIXING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY I3. 1912. 1.@93330, PamedAug. 8,1916. y A 2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

F. W. STORCK.

STAMP AFFIXING MACHINE.

APPUCATION FILED MAY 13. 1912.

l l 9 3,730. Patented Aug'. 8, 1916.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

FREDERICK W. STORCK, OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR, BY MIIVEISNE ASSIGNMENTS, T0 E. CHARLES DROUET, OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS.

STAMP-AFFIXIN G MACHINE.

i .i canso'.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application led May 13, 1912. Serial No. 696,872.

State of lilassau-husctts, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Stamp- Allixing Machines, of wlnch the tollowlng 1s f a specification. reference being `had therein to the accompanying drawings.

The invention relates to a stamp or label atlixing machine in which the stamps or labels are put up in the form of a ribbon coiled into a roll.

The invention is especially intended for use in Aconnection with mechanism for ailixiug the stamps or labels to envelops, postal cardsor wrappers and for that reason the invention, is shown as embodied in a machine employing mechanism for thus afiixing the stamps and for convenience of description the word stamp will be used in a broad sense to include labels.

The invention will be fully understood from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, and the novel features will be pointed out and clearly defined in the claims at the close of the specification.

In the drawings,-Figure 1 is a vertical section of a machine embodying the invention, showing the plunger in its uppermost and normal position. Fig. 2fis a section on line 2-2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a verticalsection similar to Fig. 1 but with the plunger in its lowermost position and the parts as.

they appear just after the stamp is affixed to'an envelop. Fig. 4 is a sectlonal View partly broken away, showing the posltlon the parts will assume when the plunger has partly risen after. the stamp is attached to the envelop, but before it has tripped the stamp supporting lever. Fig. 5 is a sectional viewv partly broken away, showing the detent mechanism for the plunger disengaged to permit its up stroke. Fig. 6 is a vertical section through the water tank. Fig. 7 is a section on line 7--7 of Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a front elevation of the water tank and combined parts. Fig. 9 is a detail view of one of the moistener wicks and its holder. Fig. 10 its a sectional detail view of the. feed blade, tearing ofi' blade, and shield. Fig. 1l is a detail vewof thev stop blade for the feedblade'. Fig. 12 is a detail view of the feed blade. Fig. 13 is a detail view of the tearing off blade. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the casing. Fig. 15 is a detail view of the front wall of thecase. Fig. 16 is a detail view of the back cover. Fig. 17 is a section on line 17-17 of Fig. 1.

Referring now to the drawings,-the Stamp strip or ribbon is shown in the form of a. roll l, mounted on a stamp shaft 2 which is journaled in the side walls 3 of the case. For convenience of inserting and removing the stamp roll, the side walls are each formed with an outwardly swelled portion -l extending from the outer edge of the wall at.a"'downward incline toward the middle of the side wall of the stamp roll chamber and forming a clearance space and guide to admit the stamp roll shaft laterally between the two side walls. At the inner ends of said swelled portions there are shoulders or seats 5 which serve as bearings for the stamp roll shaft. There are thus formed guide ways for the stamp roll shaft so that it will be easily, guided to its seat and as the outer ends of these guide ways are at a higher elevation than the inner ends, the stamp -roll will readily be retained in its seat.

The two side walls 3, 3 are `parallel with each other and are spaced apart barely greater than the width of the stamp strip with just sulicient clearance not to impede its movement.

The case is formed with a base portion 6 which is preferably made integral with the side walls 3. The case forms a mount for the plunger and other operative parts of the machine and the base of the machine is intended to bear on top of the envelop when the stamp is being severed from the strip and being affixed. The base of the case therefore is formed with an opening 7 beneath the plunger,` large enough for the stamp after it has been severed and carried down bythe plunger to be carried through ontoithe envelop A resting on the table B. The rear end ofthe case is provided with a cover of peculiar construction which is hinged at its upper end, preferably detachable, and4 which is provided with means for locking it to prevent access to the interior of the case.

Patented Aug'. 8, 1916.

cover can turn on said hinge pin.

a short distance so that Awhen the cover is closed there will be no opening shownv at the sides. yThe cover is formed with slots 13 extending in from the upper end to embrace the side walls between the hinge 8 and the rear ends of the front wall 9. At the rear part of the base 6 there is formed anu'p- `turned lip 14 and on the inner face of the cover, near its lower end, -there is attached .a lock 66 having a bolt 15 which may be operated by any suitable means to engage with the inner face of the lip 14, so that the cover cannot be turned on its hinge. The front wall 9 pf the case is fitted to the front edges of the'side wallsso as `to close the front space and is formed with a hole 16`for the passage of the plunger 17. The plunger 17 is vertically reciprocable. It is pro-4 vided with side arms or wings 18, 18, which project through slotted ways 19, 19, in the side walls 3, 3, of the case, the engagement ofthe said arms with said slots serving to guide the plunger. To the lower end of the plungerrod is hinged a foot 21. In the method of construction Shown, the plunger is formed with a reduced lower portion or neck 20 which engages with a slot in the foot within which the neck 4portion 20 of the plunger is inserted and is pivotally connected therewith by the pin 22. At the upper end of the neck portion 20 of the plunger there is an inclined shoulder 23 on each side which engages the upper side of the foot to aid in retainingl the foot normally in an inclined position. A spring 24 tends also to retain the foot in such inclined position but yieldsto permit the foot to assume a horizontal position when the plunger continues its descent after the toe of the foot has come into contact with the envelop on the down stroke.

A spring 34 coiled aroundithe plunger rod is compressed when the plunger is pushed down and tends to retract the plunger when the downward pressure is released. Means are provided to prevent the plunger from rising .after it connnences its descent until the advance stamp is severed from the strip, nearl the end 0f the down stroke. The means shown are as follows: Pivoted at 25 to the side of the plunger is a pawl 26, one arm of which is provided with a point 27 which engages with a toothed rack 28 secured to the inner side'of one wall of the case. A yspring 29 which is also secured at one end to the plunger, the upper end being free, bears against an arm 30 of thepawl and normally retains the point 27 of the pawl in engagement with the rack bar. `When the plunger is pushed down the'spring 29 yields sufficiently tb allow the point of the pawl to ride over the teeth of the rack but prevents the point from becoming disengaged to .allow the rising of the plunger until the pawl is ytripped as hereinafter described. The spring 29 is formed with an offset 31 and the lower end of the rack is formed with an inwardly extending portion 32. Said inwardly extending portion 32 engages the point27 ofthe pawl when the plunger-has descended nearly to the bottom of its stroke and throws the pawl completely out of engagement with the rack by turnlng the pawl on its pivot and at the same time the arm 30 of the pawl will be turned down on the underside of the offset portion 31 as shown in Fig. 5 thus retaining the pawl out of engagement with the rack until the pawl is again tripped in the manner to be described on the upstroke. When the pawlis vheld in this position by the offset 31 of the spring 29, thev plunger will be free to rise under the action of the spring 34 as soon asfthe downward pressure of the hand of the operator is released. lOn the ascent of the plunger near the upper end of its stroke, the pawl will strike the projection 33 on the upper end of the rack bar, thereby turning the pawl on its pivot in the reverse direction from what it was turned by the projection 32 on the down stroke, thereby releasing the arm 30 from detention by the o'set 31 of the spring 29 and the point 27 will again be brought into engagement with the rack bar. l'

A feed blade 35 is secured to one side of the plunger 17 by a.- pin 36, the said blade 35 being formed with an elongated slot 37 through which the said pin 36 passes, thereby allowing a limited movement of the plunger with relation to the blade. As shown in the drawingsthe upper portion of the plunger is cylindrical, although not necessarily so, but preferably cylindrical for l convenience. Thelower portion 34 of the plunger is preferably made square and of larger diameter than' the cylindrical portion for'convenience of attaching the con'- nected parts thereto. This squared out portion of the plunger is formed with a vertically elongated slot or recess 38 into which there extends a pin 39 projecting from and attached to the feed blade 35. A spring 40 is seated as to its lower end upon said pin 39, the upper endpfpsaid spring bearing against the upper end of the recess 38, the tension of said spring being such that when the plunger is pressed down it will carry the feed blade 35 with it until the feed blade 35 is brought ,toa positive stop in a manner which will be hereafter' described. The lower end of the. feed blade 35 is provided with points 41 which are adapted to pierce the stamp strip at the bend? thereof, and is also preferably providedwvith a series of shorter points or yteeth 42 to aid 1n tearing off the advance the pin 36 passes to secure the said blade to the plunger, is not elongated. The blade 43 is formed with an elongated slot 45, through which the pin 39 projects from the blade into the elongated slot 38 of the plunger to permit movement of the blade 43 with relation to the blade 35, and this slot also forms a guide to prevent/lat,- eral swaying of the blade 43. Preferably the blade 43 is a thin spring plate and is normally curved slightly inward toward its lower end, so as to press against the feed blade 35 under slight tension when the parts are assembled. Preferably the feed blade.

35 is formed with lateral projections or ears 46, which extend through narrow' slits 47 in the two opposite side walls 3 of the case, which thereby form guides to insure the feed blade 35 traveling in a straight line.'

Secured to the base 6 of the case at a slight elevation above the bottom is a stop plate 48, which extends into the path 'of the feed blade 35, so as to engage the feed blade and stop the downward movement thereof, and said stop plate is provided with notches to receive the points 41 and 42 of the feed blade, so as not to dull the teeth of the feed blade, and also to aid in tearing the stamp. f

The stamp strip is fed 'from the roll 1 down overv the moistening mechanism, to

. be hereinafter described, and over the bending lever 49, which upon 'the up stroke of the plunger bends the stampM strip, so as to bring the advance stamp under the plunger foot 21. For convenience of threading the stamp strip the said bending lever 49 is mounted on top of the moistener tank 50, and therefore the moistener tank and connected parts will now be described together.

The moistener tank 50 is preferably constructed so as to easily be .fitted into the i case and readily detached therefrom, and

to this end the construction is as follows: The tank is made of a width to form an easily sliding t between the two side Walls 3-3of the case. The lower part of the case,rnear the base, is formed with two laterally projecting grooved portions 5l in the base, so that the tank may easily slide into position .in the case and form a tongue and groove connection. A block 53 which forms the base of the stop plate 48 forms an inwardstop for the end of the tank, so that the tanknmay be surely positioned when it is shoved into the case.

The tank is formed with a groove 64 in the bottom thereof to afford a clearance for the lip 14 on the base when the tank is shoved into the case. Inserted into the rear wall of the tank is an elastic buffer which projects slightly outside of the wall of the tank, and is engaged by the lower part of the lock case 66, thereby making a 'yielding pressure on the tank, so as to force the moistening wicks 58 always against the stamp which is drawn down in front of the moistening wicks.

The tank is formed with -a compartment 83 to hold water, and compartments for the pads 54. The pad compartments are separated from the water compartment by a partition 55, which is formed with perforations 56, sufficient to allow the pads 54 to be kept properly moistened. Extending from the' sides of the pad'compartments at their up- -per ends there are mouth pieces 57, into which yare inserted wicks 58, whose inner ends contact with the pad 54, and whose outer ends are adapted to be engaged by the gummed face of the' stamp. In order to enable the wicks to be easily inserted and removed each wick is held in a clip 59, the ends of the wick projecting beyond the ends of the clip, so that the rear end of the wick may have a yielding pressure against the moistening pad, and so that the front end of the wick may also have a yielding pressure against the stamp strip. When the wick becomes excessively gummed, or for any reason it is desired to remove the wick, to be replaced by a new one, it can easily be done by grasping the outer end of the wick wit the finger and pulling it out... The clip 59 easily slides in and out of the mouth piece 57. V

In the upper part of the tank 50 there is a filler opening which is closed by a cap 60. Said cap has a stem which projectsinto the tank, and has a small airl vent 61 therethrough. When'the whole device is in its normal upright position the level of the water in the tank should be below the vent 61, which admits air as fast as the water is usedv up. If for any reason the device'is tipped over on its side, the water will cover the vent 61, and prevent thev water from leaking through the wicks. The tank is made practically air tight, except so far as it enters through the vent 61.

Rising through the top ofthe tank is a standard 610 which supports a shaft 62, on which is pivoted the bending lever 49.

Mounted on said shaft 62 is a spring 63, which engages also the lever 49, and nor- 11i-ally.y :retains the rear. arm of the lever 49 in contact with the stop which as shown in the drawings is the top of the tank. The forward end of the lever 49 projects into the path of the foot 2l of the plunger, and is adapted to resist the downward feed of the stamp by the feed blade after the points of the feed blade have engaged the stamp strip until the long points 41 ofthe feed blade have pierced the stamp. Then the continued downward movement of the feedblade will turn the said lever 49 on its pivot, giving an increased tension to the spring 63. lVhen the plunger rises the spring 63 will restore the lever 49 to its normal position, thereby again bending the stamp strip to bring another stamp under the foot of the plunger.

Projecting from the front of the air tank are two parallel anges 67, which straddle the bending lever 49, the outeredges'of these two flanges projecting somewhat less distance forward than the bend 68 in the bending lever where the end of the stamp engages the level'. The purpose of these' two flanges 67 is that after the advance stamp has been severed and affixed to an envelop, and the plunger begins to' rise, and the pivoted lever 49 begins to bend up the next following stamp which is now the advance end of the downwardly projecting stamp strip, there is a tendency of the said advance stamp to curl back, and the edges of these two ianges 67, by engaging the back face of the stamp, help to counteract this tendency.

There is also. a tendency, when the plunger rises, for the downwardly hanging stamp strip tobe carried up slightly, Which would result in getting the stamp strip out of proper'position for the feed blade on its down stroke. In order vto counteract this tendency, there is provided a thin flexible spring 69 secured to the standard 61, and having a free end projecting'at a downward slant far enough forward for its edge to engage the stamp strip and thereby restrain the stamp strip from being carried up when the plunger rises, but it does not interfere with the downward movement of the stamp strip under the positive action of the feed blade and plunger.

Secured to the inner face of the top curved partof the front wall 9, as for instance by a screw 70, is a spring plate 71 which is bent downward and lies against the rear face of the feed blade 35. The stamp strip comes down against the outer face of this plate 71, and as it is drawn down by the feed blade the gummed face of the stamp is drawn across the ends of the moistening wicks 58. This plate 71 prevents the moistening wicks from coming in contact with the feed blade, thus preventing the feed blade from becoming wet and sticky, as would be the case if the moistening wicks came directly in contact with the feed blade. This spring plate 71 also forms a stationary contact surface for the spring 69, thereby protecting the end of the spring against abrasion by the face of the feed blade when the feed blade rises. The two mouth pieces 57 for the wicks 58 are spaced apart from each other by the two flanges 67, so that the strip is left unmoistened along a narrow space through the middle and the bending lever 49 engages the plunger are carrying the stamp down to the envelop, and so that the stamp will be delivered to the envelop in a horizontal position. The lever 72 is swung down on its pivot by the action of the plunger foot in advancing. When the plunger rises the bending leverr 49 will swing forward again to -bend the stamp which then becomesthe advance stamp, and it is important that the lever 72 should be prevented from swinging upon its pivot until after said advance stamp has become bent. To this end means are provided forllatching the lever 72 in its most turned down position until after the plunger has risen suiiciently for said advance stamp to be bent. The means provided for this are as follows: The short arm of the lever 72 is formed with a ratchet tooth 7 5. A bent lever 76 -is pivoted at 77, and has an arm 78 which projects over the upper side of the plunger foot 21. A spring tends to turn the lever 76 on its pivot in a direction ,to bring a portion ofthe lever into engagement with the under face 'of the tooth 75 to prevent the lever 72 from swinging up on its pivot. When the plunger foot moves downward away from the arm 78 of the lever 76 said lever 76 is free to respond to the said action of the spring, so that when the plunger has-reached the end of its down stroke said -lever 72 will be latched, and it will remain latched until the plunger has risen far enough on its up stroke for the plunger foot to engage the overhanging arm 78 of the lever 76, thereby turning the said lever 76 to trip it from the ratchet tooth 75.

vThen the lever 72 will be turned up again by a spring 79. The spring 79 is shown in the drawings as connected with both the lever 72 and the lever 76. It is obvious that a separate spring may be employed for each lever 72 and 76 instead of making one spring actuate both levers.

In order to insert a stamp roll the cover 10 is unlocked then swung back on its hinge and integree l I y removed, andthe moistener tank is withdrawn. The stamp roll shaft, as already described, is slightly longer than the space be-v line of perforations and hooked onto the.

long teethv 41 of the feed blade along the line of perforations. The moistener tank is then shoved into place and the cover placed on the case and locked, and the device 1s no/w ready for use. When it is desired to affix a 'stamp to an envelop which is placed on a table the device is placed upon the envelop'.

with the opening 7 1n the base over that portion of the envelop to which it is desired to affix the stamp, and the plunger is forced down by a quick pressure of the hand. When the plunger moves down, the feed blade 35 by its enga ement with the stamp at its bend, as alrea y described, will carry the stamp strip down. As the feed blade descends it turns the levers 49 and 72 back on their'pivots. When the feed blade 35 c'omes into enga ement With the sto kplate 48 the short teet 42 of the feed bla e will also be forced through the stamp strip and by this time the toe of the hinged foot 21 will come into engagement with the free end of the stamp and clamp it to the envelop beneath the plunger. As the plunger descends farther the heel of the foot will be brought down into a horizontal position. While the foot is being thus turned into a horizontal position after its toe has clamped the stamp tothe envelop the tearing -blade 43 which continues its descent with the plunger cooperates with the heel of the foot in tearing the advance stamp from the strip along the line which has been engaged by the teeth of the feed blade the stamp strip having been weakened along this line by the teeth of the i feed blade so as to insure the tearing of the stamp alon that line only.

During t e downward feed of the stamp strip the next following stamp behind the advance stamp will be drawn alonO' in engagement with the moistening wie s so as to be already moistened ready for the affixing of the next stamp. When the plunger reaches the bottom of its stroke the supporting lever 72 will be latched down lby the tooth 75 engaging with the lever 76,v as already described. Then When the pressure upon the plunger is released the spring 34 will carry the plunger up again, and the lever 49 will bend the newly advanced stamp along its first line of perforations, and when the plunger has risen far enough for the lever 76 to' be disengaged from the tooth .75 the supporting lever 72 will be turned up by its spring, sothat it will be in position to support the free end of said advance stamp as before. f

By the form of construction of my device the advance stamp, when in its bent condition ready for the descent of the plunger, as vshown in Fig. 1 is in contact with the supporting lever 49 only at-one point,

namely at the bend of the strip in a dry portion thereof. The only other contact point of the bent advance stamp is where 1t 1s engaged by the toe of the supporting lever 72.

The device is especially intended for use Where a large number of envelops are to be stamped one after the other. If after' a period of non use the advance stamp which was moistened when the machine was last' used has becomeldry the envelop itself may be moistened in a proper place to receive the first stamp, and after that the stamps will be moistened automatically, so that it will not be necessary to moisten the envelop.

What I claim is 1. A vertically reciprocable plunger, a

V,stamp strip container, reciprocable feed mechanism actuated by the plunger for feedlng the strip ina vertical path parallel with the line of movement of the plunger,

-means for moistening a part of said parallel portion of the strip during said vertical movement, means for bending the advance" moistened portion of the strip after it has been moistened, and means for severing and afiixing the advance portion of the strip to an envelop or the like.

2. In a stamp aixing machine, a stamp strlp container, `a vertically reciprocable stamp strip feed blade which feeds the stamp strlp in a vertical path parallel Withthe path of movement of the feed blade, means adjacent the path of .movement of the said feed blade for moistening each stamp of the strip in succession while it is traveling in a vertical path parallel with the path of movement of the feed blade, means for sev-l ering the advance moistened stampy from the strip, and means for affixing the severed stamp to an envelop 0r the like.

3. In a stamp alixing machine, a stamp strip container, a reciprocating feeding mechanism, means for bending the advance portion of thestrip around said feeding mechanism, a stationary moistening device which is engaged by the strip during its feeding movement, thereby moistening a part of the strip, and a severing device for severing the advance portion from the strip.

4. In a stamp aflixing machine, a stamp strip container, a reciprocable feeding mechanism which feeds the strip, means for bending the advance portion of the strip around the said feeding mechanism, means preventing ist lso

feeding mechanism from retrograde movey ment until the feeding stroke is completed, and means for severing the advance portion of the strip and aflixing it to an article positioned to receive it. y

6. In a stamp ailixing machine, a stamp strip container, a reciprocable plunger, a reciprocable feeding mechanism mounted upon said plunger, means preventing the feeding mechanism from retrograde movement until the feeding stroke is completed, and means for severing the advance portion of the strip and aflixing to it an envelop orj the like.

7. In a stamp affixing machine, a stamp strip container, a reciprocable plunger, a reciprocable stamp strip feeding mechanism, a lever which ybends the stamp strip so that it can be operated upon by the said feeding mechanism, and means for preventing retrograde movement ,of the unrolled portion of the stamp strip.

8. In a stamp aifixing machine, a stamp strip container, a reciprocable stamp strip feeding mechanism and a lever which bends the stamp strip and retains it so that it can be operated upon Aby the feeding mechanism, said feeding mechanism moving the bent portion of the stamp toward an envelop p0- sitioned to receive it, and means for severing a stamp from the bent portion and aixing it to an envelop or the like.

9. In a stamp ailixing machine, a stamp strip container, a reciprocable plunger, a feeding mechanism, a moistening device, a stamp bending lever mounted upon said moistening device, and adapted to bend the advance portion of the strip so that it can lbe operated upon by the feeding mechan1sm.

10. In a stamp affixing machine, a stamp strip container, a reciprocal plunger, a feeding mechanism, a detach-ably mounted moistening device, and means! mounted upon said moistening device for preventing the stamp strip from retrograde movement.

11. In a stamp alixing machine, a stamp strip container, a reciprocable plunger, a stamp strip feeding mechanism, a moistening device, and means mounted on said moistening device for preventing the stamp strip from retrograde movement.

12. In a stamp aflixing machine, in com-A bination with a stamp strip feed mechanism, a molstemng device comprismg a pad,

mesmov means whereby the pad is kept in a wet condition, a wick detachably mounted in suchI relation to the pad that one end of the wick contacts with the pad while the other end of the wick projects toward the path of movement of the stamp stri into such position that it is engaged by t e gummed face of the moving stamp, and means for severirg a moistened stamp from the strip and a Xing it to, an envelop or the like.

13. In a stamp lailixin machine, a reciprocable plunger, a -feed b ademounted upon said plunger, a su port for a stamp strip roll, means for ben ing the stam strip over the feeding edge of the feed b ade, means coperating with the'feed blade whereby the feeding movement of the plunger moves the stamp strlp forward, a moistening device alongside of the path of the stamp strip and which is engaged by one of the stamps in its forward movement thereby -moistening the stamp, and means for severing the advance stamp from the strip and aiiixing it to an envelop or the like.

14. In a stamp alixing machine, a reciprocable plunger, a feed blade mounted upon said plunger and carried thereby, a support for a stamp strip roll, a moistening tank 4'located alongside of the path of the feed blade, a stamp bending lever mounted on sald moisteningy tank, said lever extending beneath the path of movement of the feed blade and plunger, and being adapted to bend the end of the stam strip around the feeding end of the feedp blade, said feed blade being adapted to engage the stamp strip at its bend and to" carry the stamp strip forward thereby turning said bending lever back on its pivot, a moistener wick projecting from said moistener tank and adapted to engage the gummed face of the stamp strip as the stamp strip is carried forward by the feed blade, and means for severing the advance stamp from the strip and aliixing it to an envelop or the like.

15. In a stamp aiiixing machine, a reciprocable plunger, a feed blade carried by said plunger and having a spring seat, a support for a stamp strip roll, means for bending the stamp strip around the feeding end of the feed blade, whereby the feed blade carries forward the bent stamp strip, a sto which is engaged by the feed blade after t e plunger has partially completed its stroke, said spring seat for the feed blade yielding to allow the plunger to continue its stroke after the feed blade is brought to a stop, and a tearin off blade secured to the plunger alongslde of said feed blade, and which engages the stamp and aids in tearing it off when the plunger continues its movement after the feed blade is brought to a standstill, and means for afiixing the detached Stamp to an article positioned to receive it.

16. In a stamp aiiixing machine a reciplos 'stamp to an article positioned to receive it.

rocable plunger, a feed blade carried by the plunger and having a spring seat, a support or a stamp strip roll, means for bendin the stamp strip around the feeding end o? the feed blade, whereby the feed lade carries forward the bent stamp strip, a sto which is engaged by the feed blade after t e plunger has partially completed its stroke, said spring seat for the feed blade Iyielding to allow the plun er to continue its stroke after the feed blade is brought to a stop, a tearin off blade secured to theA plunger and whic l engages the stamp and alds in tearing it olf when the plunger continues its descent after thefeed blade is brought to astandstill, said tearing ofi'I blade being a sheet of thin s ring metal'which faces said feed blade, the ower end of said tearing off blade being curved toward saidfeed blade and engaging therewith, and means for aflixing the detached 17. In a stamp afiixing machine, a reci rocable plunger, a feed blade carried by t e plunger, a support for a stamp strip roll, a

moistening tank located alongside of the path of the feed blade, a pivoted stamp bending lever mounted on said moistener tank, said lever extending beneath the path of movement of the feed blade and plunger and being adapted to `bend the end of the stamp strip around the feeding edge of the feed blade, said feed blade beingv adapted to engage the stamp strip at its bend and to v -carry the stamp strip forward thereby turning said bending lever back on its pivot, moistener wicks projecting from sald moistener tank and adapted to engage thel gummed face of the stamp strip while the stamp strip is carried by the feed blade, forming moist lines upon said stamp with a dry space between them, said bending lever being located between said two moistener wicks so that it engages the stamp in the dry space between the two moist lines.

18. In a stamp ailixing machine, a reciprocable plunger, a support for a stamp roll, means carried by the plunger whereby the strip is fed from the roll and carried forward, moistener wicks extending laterally adjacent to the downward path of the stamp strip in such manner that thefeed mechanism trails the stamp strip in contact with theI said moistener-s, means for bending the strip so that the moistened stamp extends beneath the plunger, and means whereby the moistened stamp is severed from thestrip and carried bythe plunger into contact with an envelop positioned to receive it.

19. In astamp aiiixing machine, a recip rocable plunger, a support for a stamp roll, means carried by the plunger whereby the strip is fed from the roll and carried forward, a moistener wick extending laterally adjacent to the forward path'of the stamp strip, in such manner that the feed meching mechanism and moistener and feed mechanism,a slide way in which said moistener tank is detachably engaged with the case, a stop for the inner end of the moistener tank, an elastic buffer in thewall of the moistener tank, a cover for one end of the case which when closed. engages said buffer so that a yielding ressure is made against the moistener tan and the moistener wick is held under tension against the stamp strip.

20.` In a stamp affixing machine, a moistener tank for moistening the stamp strip having a water compartment, a pad compartment separated fro-m the water compartment by a perforated partition, a moistener pad in said second compartment, a laterally extending mouth ieee for a moistening Wick, a moistener wlck and a metallic holder therefor which has a sliding fit in said laterally extending mouth piece whereby .the

of the mouthpiece, means for feeding a stamp strip to cause a stamp to engage the wick and means for severing the moistened stamp from the strip and affixing it to an article positioned to receive the stamp.

21; In a stamp aiixing machine, a reciprocable plunger, a feed blade carried by the plunger, a support for a stamp strip roll, a moistening tank located alongside of the path of the feed blade, a pivoted stamp bending lever mounted on said moistener tank, said lever extending beneath the path of movement of the feed blade and plunger, and being adapted to bend the end of the stamp strip under the feeding end of the feed blade, said feed blade being adapted to engage the stamp strip at its bend and to carry the stamp strip forward, thereby turning said bending leverback on its pivot, a moistener wick projecting from said moistener 'tank and adapted to engage the gummed face of the stamp strip as the stamp strip is fed by the feed blade, means for severing the advance stamp from the strip and affixing it to an envelop positioned to receive it, a thin, flexible spring mounted above said moistener tank having a free end which extends at a downward inclination to engage the side of the stamp strip and which aids in preventing the stamp strip from be ing lifted by the said plunger on its up stroke, but ywhich yields to allow the downward feed of the stamp strip on the down stroke of the plunger.

ward, a molstenin the stamp, means for severing the moistened stamp vfrom the strip and aifixing it to an envelop positioned to receive it, a spring late mounted in the case between' the feed Blade and the stamp stri which extends approximately to the bending line of the stamp strip and which serves as a shl'eld to prevent the moistener wick from commg in contact with the feed blade..

23. In a stamp aflixing machine, a reciprocable plunger, a feed blade carried bythe plunger, a support for a stam stri roll, means whereby the stamp strip 1s fed y the feeding stroke of the plunger, meanswhereby on the feeding stroke of the plunger a stamp is severed from Athe strip and carried to an envelop positioned to receive it, means for aixing the severed stamp to an article positioned to receive it, and means whereby the plunger is prevented from making its return stroke after it has completed its feeding stroke until the feeding stroke is fully completed.

24. In a stampafixing machine, a reciprocable plunger, a feed blade carrie by the plunger and adapted to engage the stamp strip and feed the same, means for stopping the movement of the feed blade before the plunger has completed its stroke, a tearing ofi' blade carried by the plunger and continuing to move therewith after the feed blade has stopped'and aiding in tearing the advance stamp from the strip, and means for aflixing the severed stamp to an article positioned to receive it.

25. In a stamp aifixing machine, a reciprocable plunger, a casing to receive a stamp roll, means for bending the end of the stamp strip across the path of the plunger, means carried by the plunger adapted to engage and feed the stamp strip, said casing having two side walls spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the' length of the stamp roll, a shaft on which the stamp roll is mounted projecting at each end somewhat beyond the end of the stamp roll, said side walls of the case being formed with recessed guide-ways extending fro-m the outer' edge for some distance inwardly in the inner faces of the walls and affording clearance space for -the admission of the stamp y roll shaft, the inner ends of said guide-ways forming seats whichserve as bearings for said stamp roll shaft, and means for severincenso' irligxa stamp from the strip and means for a ingthe severed stamp to an articleepositioned to receive it.

26. In. a stamp aIixing-machine, a sta p roll shaft, a casing havmg two side wa ls spaced apartgfrom each other and formed 7with recessed guide-ways extending from the outer edge for some distance inwardly in the inner faces of the walls and affording clearance space for the admission of 4the stamp roll shaft, the inner ends of said guide-ways forming seats which serve as bearings for the said shaft, said guide-ways and bearings being 'closed on the outer sides, means to.

engage and feed the stamp strip, and means for severing a stamp from the strip and for aixing it to an article positioned to receive it. 27. In a stamp aflixing machine,a stamp roll shaft, a casing having two side walls spaced apart from each other and formed with recessed guide-ways extending from the outer edgefor some distance inwardly in theinner faces of the walls and affordmg clearance space for the admission of the stamp roll shaft, the inner ends of said guide-ways forming seats which serve as bearings for the said shaft, said guide-ways and bearings being closed on the outer sides, means to engage and feed the stamp strip, means for severing a stamp from the strip and for affixing it to an article positioned to receive it, a hinge pin extending transversely between said two side walls at the upper por- .l

tion thereof, and a separable cover to close the 'entrance to the guide-ways for the stamp roll shaft, said cover having a hook portion which engages with said hlnge pin so that the cover may turn thereon, and which is readily detachable therefrom.

28. In a stamp aflixing machine, means for feeding a stamp strip, a moistening device located alongside the path of movement of the strip and a detent mounted on the moistener which engages the stamp strip and which prevents the strip from retrograde movement and which yields to allow its feed movement.

29. In a stamp aflixing machine, stamp strip feeding mechanism having a feeding edge, a pivoted lever adapted to bend the stamp strip across the path of movement of the feeding edge of the feeding mechanism, land moistener wicks adapted to engagethe face of the stamp strip while the stamp strip is being moved, thereby forming moist lines upon said stamp with a dry space between them, said bending lever being located so that it engages the stamp in the dry space between the moist lines. Y

30. In a stamp affixing machine, a stamp strip container, a reciprocable stamp strip feeding mechanism, a lever which bends the stamp strip into position to be engaged by the feeding mechanism along the line of the bend, and means for moistenmg a portion of License during each fee ing operation whereby'at the next bending operation of the lever the portion -of the strip which is tobe bent is alread moistened. Y

r31. n a stamp atlixing machine, a: reciprocable plunger, a feed blade mounted upon said plunger, a support for a stamp strip roll, means for bendln the stamp strip across the path of the fee ing edge" of the feed blade, a moistening device alongside of the path of the stamp strip and which is engaged by one of the stamps in its forward movement thereby moistening the stamp, and means for severing the advance stamp from the strip and aiixing it to anenvelop or the like. v 32. In a stamp afiixing machine, a reciprocable plunger, a feed blade actuated by` said plunger, a support for a stamp strip roll, a stamp bending lever extending across the path of movement of the feed blade and plunger, and being adapted to bend the end of the stamp stripiaround the feeding edge olf the feed blade, said feed blade being ada ted to engage the stamlp strip at its bendan to carry the stamp strip forpward, a molstener wick adapted to engage the face of the stamp strip as the stamp strip is carried forward by the feed blade, and means for severing the advance stamp from the strip andiaiixi Y ing it to an envelop or the like.

Iat

33. In a stamp afiixing machine, a reci rocable plunger, a feed blade carried by t e plunger, a support for a' stamp strip roll, a pivoted stam bending lever adapted to lbend the end o the stamp strip across the path of the feeding edeof the feed blade, -said feed blade being a apted to engage the stamp stri at its bend and to carrythe stamp stri forward thereby turning said bending lever back on its plvot, and molstener wicks adapted to engage the gummed face of the stampv strip while the stamp strip is carried by the feed blade.

34. Ina stamp aiixing machine, a reciprocable plunger, a support for a stamp ro l, means whereby the strip is fed from the roll and carried forward, a tank having a molstener wick which is engaged by t e stamp strip, means whereby the moistened stamp is severed from the strip and carried into contact' with an envelop positioned to receive the stamp, a .caslng which forms a mount for said stam roll and which incloses the moistener and eed mechanism, a slide way in which said moistener tank Ais detachably engaged with the case, a sto for the inner end of the moistener tan an elastic buffer in the wall of the moistener tank, and a cover for one end of the case which when closed engages said buffer so that a 'yielding pressure is made against the moistener tank, and the moistener wick is held under tension against the stamp strlp.

. rocable feed blade,

. the feed blade.

35. ln a stamp .axing machine, a mois.

the stamp strip tener tank for moistenin havin a moistener pad t erein, a laterally exten ing mouth piece for a moistening wick, a moistener wickya metallic holder therefor which has a sliding fit in said laterally extending mouth piece' whereby the holder and wick may be moved into and out of the mouth piece, stamp strip to cause a stamp to engage the wick, and means for severing the moistened stamp from the'strip and aiiixing it to anv article positioned to receive the stamp.

36. In a stamp aixing machine, a support for a stamp strip roll, a moistener, a reciprocable plunger, feed mechanism actuated by the lunger on vthe down stroke which feeds t e stamp strip and moves'the gummed face of the stamp strip in engagement with said moistener, means for severing the moistened advance strip and afiixin it to an envelo positioned to receive it, a exible vspring w ich'extends at a downward inclination to engage the side of the stamp strip and whichl aidsin preventin the stamp strip from bein lifted by the sald plunger on which yields to allow the downward feed of the stamp strip on the down stroke of the plunger. v Y

37. In a stamp'afiixing machine,

a support for a stamp means for feeding astamp from the its up stro e, but

strip roll, means for bending the stamp strip over the edge of the feed blade, a moistening device having a moistener` wick alongside of the path of the which is engagedv by it is fed, thereby moistening the stamp, means for severing the' moistened stamp from the strip and aiiixing it to an envelop positioned to receive it, and a guard mountstamp strip and one of the stamps as ed between the feed blade and the stamp A strip which serves as a shield to prevent the moistener wick from coming in contact with 38. In a stamp aiixing machine, a stamp strip container, a reciprocable stamp strip feeding mechanism, a lever which bends the advance portion of the stamp strip into position to be engaged by the feeding mechanism along the line of the bend, and means for moistening a portion of the unrolled strip back of said bent portion during each feeding loperation where y at the next bending operation of the lever the portion of the strip which is to be bent is already moistened.

39. A reciprocable plunger, a stamp strip container, vertically reciprocable lfeed mechanism actuated by the plunger for feeding the strip in a vertical path parallel with the line of movement of the plunger and feed mechanism, means for moistening a part of said parallel portion of the strip during said parallel vertical movement, and means 13o for evering vand aixing' to an envelop, or

y* the like the advance lportion of the strlp. 40. In a stamp a xing machine, a eed device for a stamp strip having a recipro- 5 cable plunger, a feed blade mounted on said plunger, means for positiomn the end of the stamp strip in a path adjacent to the path of said feed blade, means for bendlng the end stamp upward into the path of said plunger and feed blade in a manner whereby said feed blade in its -descent may, engage the stamp strip at the line of perforations between the end stamp and the following stamp and feed the strlp, and means where- 5 by the end stamp may be severed from the strip, said plunger Abeing adapted to press the severed stamp against an envelop or the like. 4'1. In av stamp aliixing machine, a feed 0 device for a stamp strip having a reciprocable plunger, a feed blade mounted on said lplunger and extending below the end thereof, means for positioning the stamp stripA in a path adjacent to the path of the plunger, 5 means for bendinv the end stam upward into the path of sald plunger and eed blade in a manner whereby said feed blade in its descent may engage the stamp strip at the line'of perforations between the end stampv 0 and the following stamp and feed the strip, a stop plate adapted to coperate with said vfeed blade in severing the end stamp from the strip and in limiting the feed movement of the strip and a yieldin connection be- 5 tween said feed blade an said plunger whereby said plunger may continue its descent, after said feed blade has engaged said stop plate, and press the severed stamp against an envelop or the like.

42. In a stamp aixing machlne, a feed device for a stamp strip having a recipstamp stop plate, thereby causing the incllned toe rocable plunger, a foot hinged to the'lower end thereof anda spring adapted yieldingly to hold said foot 1n a normally tilted po,- sition, a feed blade mounted on said plunger and normally extending below the elevated end of said foot, means for positionin a stamp strip beneath said plunger and eed blade in a manner whereby said feed blade 0 in its descent may engage the stamp strip at a line of. perforations between the end stamp and the following stamp and feed the strip, 'a stop plate adapted to coperate with saidv feed blade inl severing the end and in limiting the feed movement of the stri and a yielding connection between sai feed blade and said plunger whereby said plunger may continue its descent, after said feed blade has enga ed said of said foot to clamp one end of theaend stamp to an envelop o r the like while the heel of said foot, as it assumes a horizontal position, assists in tearing said'stamp from the strip.

43. In a stamp aixing machine, a feed device for astamp strip) having, a recip-V rocableplunger, a feed lade mounted on said plunger, points on said feed blade, and means whereby a stamp strip may be positioned beneath saidplungerand feed blade in a manner whereby a line of erforations may lie in the path of said fee blade, said plunger and feed blade being provided with a spring which normally retracts said plunger and feed blade a short distance above said line of perforations, said points on said feed blade being ada ted to strike and pierce said strip at sai line of erforations upon the descent of said eed blade and thus engage the strip firmly and vfeed the same in a path parallel with the movement of the fee blade and the plunger, means for severing the advance stamp from the strip, andmeans for aiiixing the severed lstamp to an envelop or the like.

44. In a stamp aflixing machine, a fee device having a reciprocable f feed blade l provided with points adapted tg pierce ak stamp strip and thereby engage and forward it, means whereby thecend of said stamp strip may be positioned beneath said feed "blade in a manner whereby a line of perforations may lie in the path thereof and v a stop plate provided with recesses adapted to register with said points on, said feed blade, said st op plate and feed blade being adapted to coperate in severing said stamp project lbelow said plunger and feeding element, a rocking lever and means whereby said rocking lever, upon the elevation of said plunger, may be actuated to bend said end stamp upward into the path of said plunger and feeding element so that the line of perforations between the end stamp and the following stamp is positioned beneath said feeding element and may be engaged thereby on its downward stroke said downward Vstroke also operating to feed the stamp strip and to turn said lever back on its fulcrum and out of the path of said plunger and feeding element, means actuated by the plunger to sever the advance stamp from the strip, and means for affxing the severedI stamp to an envelop or the like.

46. In a stamp alixing machine, a feed device for a stamp strip having a plunger, a feeding element mounted on said plunger, means for bending the end of a stamp strip upward into a position beneath said plunger and bending element, a member adapted to press the end of the advance stamp against the under side of said plunger during its downward or feeding stroke, said member being movable in a manner whereby it may be forced by said plunger, on its downward stroke, out of the path thereof, means actuated by the plunger to sever the advance stamp from the strip, and means for afixing the severed stamp to an envelop or the like.

47. In a stamp aiiixing machine, a feed device for a stamp strip having a plunger, a feeding element mounted on said plunger, means for bending the end of a stamp strip upward into a position beneath said plunger and feeding element, a member adapted to retain the end of the advance stamp against the under side of said plunger during its downward or feeding stroke, said member being movable in a manner whereby it may be forced by said plunger, on its downward stroke, out of the path thereof, a spring normally acting to press said movable member against the under side of said plunger, a latch adapted to restrain the upward movement of said movable member after it has been forced out of the path of said plunger, means coperating with said plunger adapted upon the partial retraction thereof, to trip said latch and permit said spring again to elevate said movable member into operative position, means actuated by the plunger to sever the advance stamp from the strip, and means for afhaling the severed stamp to an envelop or the like.

ln testimony whereof l aiix my signature, in presence of two witnesses.

FREDERlCK YV. STORCK.

lWitnesses lWILLIAM A. COPELAND, ALICE H. MORRISON. 

